We are all busy women trying to juggle work and play and we want to look good at the same time. One of the biggest daily challenges can be the dilemma of what to wear to the office each day. Do you want to avoid choosing the easy option of wearing a boring all black uniform of top and trousers and instead make a bolder choice by injecting some key style trends and colour into your work wardrobe? Read on as I have compiled a list of six work wear basics to take you from the office to a night on the town. Get ready to upgrade your work wardrobe as well as turn heads at the office!
1. The Power Suit
A key trend this S/S 2018, the power suit is a work wardrobe essential and has been given a new lease of life with check & plaid prints, tapered shoulder pads to give a retro 80s power dressing vibe and comes in vibrant shades of pastel pinks, bright yellows and reds as an alternative to the office standard of black or grey. As a big fan of asos, I am loving their J.O.A wrap mac jacket and trousers in suit check co-ord. The trouser suit in black plaid, has a long single-button belted jacket (€114.86) with sleeves you can roll up combined with the cropped tailored trousers with pearl detail (€78.38).
Dress to impress in the boardroom or at an interview! This uber stylish suit is a cut above the rest and can be mixed and matched with block colours such as red, yellow and pink. Adding a statement clutch and strappy stilettos transforms the look from daytime office wear to after work sophistication.
2. The Classic White Shirt
No work wardrobe is complete without the classic white shirt, it’s the most basic of all work wardrobe essentials. You can pair it with your trouser suit, tuck it inside your high-waisted pencil skirt or wear over your skinny jeans for an office casual look. It’s important to invest in a good quality, well-fitted cotton shirt or blouse as you want to be able to wear it all year long, no matter what the season. I choose the Levis women’s tailored classic one pocket shirt by Get The Label for only €29.99. You couldn’t get a more basic work wardrobe staple and one that never goes out of fashion.
3. The Pencil Skirt
The high-waisted pencil skirt is making a big comeback this S/S ’18. It’s a stylish, comfortable not to mention versatile work wardrobe staple. You can always team your pencil skirt with a funky band t-shirt or a cami top and strappy heels to transform from a daytime office look into a super chic evening look ready for after work drinks!
I couldn’t resist buying the asos red tailored pencil skirt with selfbelt and paperbag waist detail for €40. Team this with a fitted, black ribbed top and knee high boots and you have a perfect work wear staple.
4. The Classic Striped Shirt
Just like the classic white shirt, a striped shirt or blouse is an essential in any savvy fashionista’s wardrobe. You can pair it with tailored trousers or a pencil skirt and pumps to cultivate a look that is professional yet chic and stylish every time. Versatility is key and a classic striped shirt always looks good worn with your favourite dark-wash skinny jeans and Converse for a casual, Saturday afternoon outfit. J-Crew currently stock the perfect shirt in striped stretch cotton in french navy for €75.61.
5. Black pumps
A quintessential work wardrobe staple, a pair of black pumps are an absolute essential when it comes to dressing for a day at the office. They are chic, comfortable and go with everything. Why just for opt for black? There is a huge range of styles and colours to choose from in both patent and leather. If you are going to be on your feet all day long, I would recommend investing in classic ballet style pumps in black patent leather from Office for only €68.
If you are into power dressing and want a pair of heels to take you from the boardroom to after work drinks, check out these hot ombre black and red point court heels also from Office for €83 – perfect with a black or grey trouser suit or black pencil skirt!
6. The Shift Dress
Last but not least, the classic, fitted shift dress is a perfect work wardrobe staple that is both chic and stylish. With Spring on the way, this gorgeous short sleeve, crew neck and classic short dress in mint green from Numinou caught my eye. The price tag is a steal at only €17.98! Pair this with a pair of court heels and a clutch bag and you have the perfect after work transformation.
Dress For The Job You Want
There’s truth to the saying, “Dress for the job you want,” and nothing looks more put-together than a few classic, smart pieces that fit you like a glove. You don’t have to spend a fortune either to look chic, professional and stylish!
